Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has for the first time revealed why her historic swearing-in ceremony took place in a military barracks instead of a public venue.
Speaking during a recent address, President Samia explained that the decision was made out of necessity rather than choice. She disclosed that following the tense political environment at the time, foreign elements had staged protests across the country, making it unsafe and impractical to hold a public ceremony.
“I won through a popular vote, in fact a landslide, but because some foreigners were protesting in my country, I had to be sworn in at a military barracks, because the roads to public venues were impassable,” President Samia said.
The revelation sheds new light on the dramatic events surrounding her assumption of office, following the death of former President John Pombe Magufuli. Samia’s private swearing-in marked a historic moment, as she became Tanzania’s first female Head of State.
Political analysts say her decision to speak about the incident underscores her resilience and the challenges she faced stepping into leadership amid national tension. Since taking office, President Samia has worked to stabilize Tanzania’s political climate, strengthen diplomatic relations, and restore international confidence in the country’s governance.
Her remarks have drawn admiration from many across East Africa, with supporters praising her courage and transparency in revisiting a sensitive chapter in Tanzania’s political history.
As she continues to shape her legacy, Samia Suluhu remains a symbol of calm, strength, and reform-minded leadership in the region.
